How ACES India & BSNL Have Boosted 5G on Mumbai Metro Line-3
ACES India, a wholly owned subsidiary of ACES (Saudi Arabia), has entered a strategic partnership with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to deploy advanced 4G and 5G In-Building Solutions (IBS) across the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line-3. The collaboration represents a key step forward in strengthening India’s digital and transport infrastructure ecosystem, aligning with national goals for smart mobility and connected cities.
Strengthening Mumbai’s digital transit infrastructure
The partnership between ACES India and BSNL marks a significant milestone for India’s infrastructure landscape.
The inauguration of the Navi Mumbai International Airport, the launch of the Mumbai One App “One App, Limitless Journeys” and the opening of Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Colaba–Bandra–SEEPZ) Phase 2B illustrate the country’s accelerating progress towards digital and transport modernisation.
The collaboration will cover the entire 33.5 km underground corridor of the Aqua Line-3, comprising 27 metro stations and associated tunnel networks.
The project aims to ensure uninterrupted high-speed mobile coverage and a superior user experience for millions of daily commuters.
Industry analysts note that the deployment of 4G and 5G IBS along such an extensive underground network sets a new benchmark for connectivity in India’s metro systems.
BSNL’s partnership with ACES India marks the telecom operator’s first-ever advanced IBS deployment in a metro project in Maharashtra.
The initiative demonstrates BSNL’s continued commitment to upgrading its network architecture and extending next-generation connectivity to high-density urban environments.
Global expertise, local execution
ACES India, as part of the Saudi-headquartered ACES Group, combines international engineering expertise with local insight to deliver telecom infrastructure solutions tailored to India’s unique connectivity landscape.
Its growing footprint in India reflects its broader mission to integrate technology and innovation into the country’s rapidly evolving mobility and urban infrastructure sectors.
“This collaboration with BSNL is a milestone in India’s digital infrastructure journey,” says Dr Akram Aburas, Group CEO of ACES. “ACES India is leading the way in extending next-generation connectivity to urban transit systems, supporting the broader vision of a connected India.”
Mohammed N. Mazher, Managing Director of ACES India, emphasised the partnership’s impact on local implementation:
“We are proud to partner with BSNL for this landmark project, our first metro IBS deployment in Maharashtra. As a fully owned subsidiary of ACES, Saudi Arabia, we bring global expertise and local execution strength to transform how connectivity integrates with urban mobility.”
By design, the IBS rollout along Aqua Line-3 optimises both coverage and capacity by enabling seamless 4G and 5G transition within complex underground spaces, ensuring commuters benefit from consistent, high-performance mobile experiences across stations and tunnels.
BSNL’s connectivity vision for urban India
BSNL’s collaboration with ACES India reinforces its mission to expand and modernise India’s telecommunications infrastructure at scale. The state-owned telecom operator continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s digital transformation, rural connectivity efforts, and smart city initiatives.
The Aqua Line-3 IBS rollout will set new standards for underground connectivity and public service delivery.
ACES India’s IBS deployment on Aqua Line-3 serves as a model for how telecom innovation can enhance commuter experience across India’s expanding metro network.
The project demonstrates the practical application of telecom-engineered connectivity solutions in supporting smart transportation systems, resilient infrastructure, and digital inclusivity in one of India’s most densely populated cities.
